A slice of neorealism, Australian-style, West of Sunshine couches a bleak day in brightness — visually, in its sun-lit tour off Melbourne’s beaten track; and emotionally, as a father and son traverse trying times together.

The debut feature from writer-director Raftopoulos, whose most recent short Kin screened at Cannes, was shot in Melbourne and tells the story of a father who has less than a day to pay back a debt to a loan-shark, while at the same time trying to look after his young son. Alexandros Ouzas (Plague) produces for Exile Entertainment. Backers include Screen Australia.